Restaurant: Three Brother's Arms

Restaurant: Three Brothers Arms pub

40 Venebles Rd Macclesfield SA

About 15kms out of Strathalbyn, in the quiet little town of Macclesfield is the Three Brothers Arms Pub. Cosy and inviting, the pub was originally called the Davenport Arms Hotel. It was built in 1841 and has an interesting history.

In the back beer garden, are the remains of the Goat's Head Brewery and a well sits in the back corner of the dining room.

Once used as a wishing well, many of the old Australian

pennies of yesteryear wishes can be seen embedded in the bar.

A town and pub of this age of course always has many a story to tell, and this one of course is no exception. Most interesting , was the curious death of a young Adelaide chemist. In April 1883, an inquest was held at the pub following the sudden death of Adelaide chemist, Robert Allott. He had been holidaying with a friend, local brewer Harry Conigrave. The inquest found no reason for the young man of 20 to have died, and so it remained a mystery.

What makes the situation so strange, is Allott wasn't ill and only became ill after receiving his "regular" medication from the local doctor, which he and two other doctors testified could not have killed Allott.

Although they found that local doctor Cecil Jackson was not at fault, rumours of his past soon surfaced which I think nowadays would have been looked into much further. Amongst other medical malpractices like illegal abortions, more importantly Jackson was accused of murdering his lover in Victoria. Elizabeth Maitland Hilder was the daughter and the sole heir of one of Jackson's wealthy patients. He had been attending Mr Hilder for a long time, and during the

time, Hilder became more and more ill. Elizabeth suddenly died, and the town took action, burning an effigy of Jackson, running him out of town. Curiously, when he left, Mr Hilder's health suddenly reversed, giving more kudos to the rumour that Jackson was poisoning him. (I got a lot of information from Curiosities of South Australia 4 by Russell Smith. These are great little books that I always take with me when having a country drive through South Australian and have seen a lot of little treasures because of it!)

Accompanied by my family (including my "surrogate" Australian family), we met up on a Friday night, next to a roaring fire at the pub.

We started with the Regional plate: bread, olives, Kanmantoo bacon, Kanmantoo Metwurst, Apple Chutney, Hamlet's Choizo Sausage, Woodside Goat's Curd and 3 Bros own Dukkah. ($22.90)

Absolutely the most wonderful start after the trek to the pub. The house made Dukkah was perfect! Just the right balance of spices and nuttiness, easily one of the best Dukkahs we have ever had and anything with goat's curd makes me happy! Beautifully presented, and full of local produce, fantastic.

I have made the pilgrimage to the butcher in Kanmantoo, buying bacon, metwurst and pepperonni. I think that they deserves their own blog, but will make mention of the absolutely fantastic products they deliver with their unique smokey fresh flavour. The butcher shop is situated behind a farm house, amongst the paddocks where you can just imagine Wilbur waiting for his fate!

The pub is famous for its large collection of beer. Apparently, it has over 300 beers available, focusing mainly on English beer. I tried the Landlord Timothy Taylors Sting Pale Ale (11.50 for 500ml) which was quite nice. I am not a big beer drinker, but I really did enjoy this. Interestingly, a few Canadian beers make the list, ones I have never heard of. I love that they have sourced boutique beers from around the world.

As there was such a large group, I didn't taste all dishes, but managed to get photos of most if not all that made it to the table!

Chicken Schnitzel Parmigiana (18.50) with added bacon.

I had the Twice Cooked Pork Belly with Cauliflower Cream, Garlic Broccolini and Plum Chutney ($22.50). Not a regular feature, I chose this delight from the specials board. I love pork belly, the crispy outside and tender inside is such a nice combination. I really enjoyed this , I thought the mash and broccolini were the perfect accompaniments to a really well done dish. Two of us ordered this, and I obviously got the better cut, as the other cut was mostly fat.

The 300gm MSA "1824" Porterhouse Cooked to Order with Olive Oil Mash, Spinach, House-made Tomato Chutney and Rosemary Butter (27.90) was cooked perfectly medium rare as requested. The steak was tasty and tender, but had obviously rested too long on a cold winter evening as it was getting on the cold side.

Grilled Lamb Burger on Turkish Bread and Basalmic Onions, Beetroot Relish, Whipped Fetta Salad and Chips (19.90)

Salt and Pepper Squid with Lemongrass, Ginger, Chilli, and Garlic Aioli (17.50). The squid was great, lightly dusted but the stand-out was the ailoli... magnificent!

Chicken Schnitzel with mushroom sauce (16.50)

Traditional Lamb's Fry and Bacon with Creamy Mash and Vegetables (16.50) was raved about by both her ordered it. Comments like how they remember it as a child, fantastic excellent were all mumbled from full mouths!

I obviously liked this dessert a lot and didn't write down the name of it! It looked to me like the perfect winter dessert.

Warm Lemon and yoghurt Cake with Poached

Quince, Toasted Almonds and Cream Chantilly (10.50)

Chocolate Peanut Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream and Iranian Fairy Floss (10.50)

I had a really great night at this pub. The atmosphere was cosy, warm and fun. It really is the perfect winter pub to visit. Mel Pritchard and Shane Ortis (formally of Coolngatta Cafe at Aldinga Beach) have done a great job settling into Macclesfield.

I think Mel has chosen the menu well, non-pretentious, good pub food. If she keeps the specials rotating, the permanent menu is perfect and what is expected in a country pub.

The beer list is intriguing and will attract menu lovers of the brew I am sure.

Shane is great in the bar, but a bit of that "chefness" in him comes out a little front of house. We were never asked if we wanted a second drink, despite only 5 tables being full most times during the evening, and he always seemed rushed and short with the customers. It almost felt like HE was doing US a favour by attending to us at times. Having said that however, by the end of the evening he was relaxed and friendly and our coffees came out very quickly!

Restaurant: Inman River Cafe

Restaurant: Inman River Cafe

Approx 13kms from Victor Harbor on the

Inman Valley Road

www.inmanrivercafe.com

The drought in South Australia, claims another victim..... the Glacier Rock Golf Course responsibly closed down due lack of water supply, leaving the old club house standing.

Now a restaurant, this little gem of a place, settled in beautiful bushland cries out for a Sunday lunch after a drive through the rolling hills and gum trees. Although a wet, wintery day, the bird life was spectacular.

The decor of the place truely leaves much to be desired. It certainly lacks in comfort and style that could make it a much more desire able destination. ca

We started with the regional platter. The large chunk of brie was great value, and the duck rillettes are always a treat, but I could not for the life of me get over the large tossed salad. It seemed to be there to take up space, certainly not a sharing platter as would be expected.

My son ordered the Coorong Angus Beef Burger ($13.50) on a damper roll with cheese, onion,salad and sauce. The burger was huge, making it difficult to eat, but was fresh and tasty.

My Mum ordered the special which from memory was a cheese polenta cake with ratatouille. The polenta was dry and lacked the expected cheese flavour. Ratatouille is always hard to make look good, and this was no exception. A very disappointing dish.

I have been to this restaurant a couple times, and ordered this last time as well. The beetroot rosti with smoked salmon with a horseradish with dill cream sauce ($9.90) is fantastic value. The serving size of the salmon is more than generous, I can't imagine they would be making much of a profit on this!The presentation again is really lacking, but makes up in taste. I love the flavours in this dish. The sweet beetroot rosti, salty salmon and creamy sauce is just a magnificent combination.

The location of the cafe is definitely its highlight. There is an abundance of bird life and you really feel like you are in the country. I appreciate and support the decision to close down the golf course, and feel an obligation to support this place because of it. I am incredibly disappointed that the menu hasn't changed in at least 12 months. I could get past the decor if I could expect something innovative, seasonal and new on the menu. I can't order the smoked salmon EVERY time!

The cafe is open for lunch most days, and they have a theme night once a month that is supposed to be great. I am unable to go to this months "Sicilian" night, but will make sure to go in the next couple of months.

Restaurant:The Salopian Inn

Restaurant: The Salopian Inn

Cnr McMurtrie & Main Rds

McLaren Vale

http://www.salopianinn.com.au/

A Sunday wine tasting and lunch day... what a better place than McLaren Vale to celebrate a friend's birthday! After tasting at a couple of wineries, we headed to The Salopian Inn for more wine and a long lunch.As we sat down, we were brought a platter of Baquette with Olive Oil and Salopian Butter ($2.50). Only thing missing was a bit of goats curd. The "birthday girl" put in the request and voila the goats curd was added to our platter! Prior to arriving at the Salopian, we went to Coriole for tasting. One wine we were unable to taste was the obscure grape, Fiano. They DID have a few bottles for sale, so we all pitched in and purchased a bottle to start our lunch with.

The tasting notes stated that the wine is sprightly and bright, with the up-front, natural acidity typical of the variety; aromas of grapefruit, lemon and green apple are augmented by touches of frangipani and fresh herbs. The palate is refreshing, with the signature long texture of the variety.

As none of us had tried it before, it was interesting to find out that The grape variety Fiano originates from the Campania region east of Naples. It is a very shy bearer which probably explains why until recently it was only planted in a small acreage. It was probably more common to find it in ancient Roman times. The variety takes its name from the Latin 'vitis apiana', as the grapes, when left on the vines, proved to be irresistible to bees.

I think we all agreed it was a really nice starter wine and was great with our baguette and goats curd! Very refreshing, easy drinking wine. (We were also pleased to see we paid only $25 for the bottle at the winery, and the restaurant was selling it at $45).Among 7 women, the Coriole bottle didn't last long of course so it was time for an excursion down to the cellar. I love this part of any restaurant, but the Salopian cellar really does have a nice feel about it. Filled with McLaren Vale shiraz amongst others, we spent a long time browsing...and taking photos of each other amongst the bottles!I settled on a mid-range Shiraz. It was a big McLaren Vale Shiraz... just what you need on a cold, wet wintery day!I started with the Lamb's Kidney Sauteed in brandy, garlic and parsley with deep fried onion rings ($18). I do try to order things I would never make at home, and this is no exception. The strong taste of offal is definitely not for some, but I really enjoyed this dish. The rich gravy and heavy meat, make for a great winter dish. An entree size is definitely enough however, the strong flavour is just too much for any bigger size.For my main course, I decided on the Whole Garfish in a prawn and leek souffle accompanied by a butter sauce and Yarra Valley Salmon Roe ($18) . A perfect pretty dish, I couldn't fault it at all. The whole garfish made for interesting presentation, and the salmon Roe was a perfect texture with the the delicate souffle. Extraordinary! We all shared Organic Potatoes roasted in duck fat and Steamed Green Beans ($6ea). The potatoes were crunchy on the outside and the beans were cooked perfectly. Wonderful accompaniments at a great price!

Below are dishes others in the group had that day. There was not a single complaint amongst any of them!

Chargrilled eye fillet of beef with gnocchi and ox tail sauce ($32)
Crispy skinned duck breast with twice cooked duck leg, baked quince and baby spinach ($32)

The fish special of Panfried Snapper with Panchetta wrapped scallops, asparagus and verjuice butter sauce ($35).
Game Puff Pastry Pie with roasted chestnuts and carmalised shallots ($18) ........ I almost ordered this!
Blue Swimmer Crab Tortellline with truffle cream sauce and Coorong cockles brasised in a fresh tomato sauce ($32)
The soup special.. Tomato and bread with Woodside goats curd and basil pesto ($16.50). Love the goats curd!!Not being a big dessert eater, I pitched in with a couple of the girls for the 3 Cheese Plate with baguette and muscatels ($24) . I love cheese and the blue cheese on the platter was not exception! Soft Centred Chocolate Pudding with orange brulee and chocolate ice cream ($15). How fantastic did this look!Strawberries in a sable pastry tart case with passion fruit creme patissiere, strawberry sauce and Alexandrina double cream ($15)

Coming Soon: The Salopian Inn, McLaren Vale

Restaurant: Osteria Sanso

Princes Highway
Kanmantoo

Where you say? That's right.. in the middle of basically no where, sits a wonderful Tuscan restaurant. Legendary Adelaide chef Tony Sanso left the big smoke and has bought this old pub which was built in the late 1800s in the former copper mining town of Kanmantoo.

Mum and I and kids arrived for a wonderful Mother's Day lunch. Despite the Maserati and Porche parked outside, the inside was far from pretentious. Wooden floors, crowded and noisy......just what a good Italian restaurant should be. It was very busy that day of course and it was delight to watch the big Italian families greeting each other with the typical air kissing of both cheeks. After a quick field trip to the cellar, we decided on an Italian Chianti (Founterutoli 2006 $59.95). It was a sensational bottle of red, probably enhanced by the Italian feel and language around the restaurant. As I was driving, I could only assist Mum in finishing the bottle. Unfortunately, the wine list did not have any reds but the house red by the glass, making it necessary to buy a whole bottle.

We started with the standard bruchetta ($5.90). Fresh tomato, garlic, olive oil and basil, it was very reasonably priced, but lacked the strong garlic both Mum and I love in our bruchetta (I think that comes from our friend Jean's bruchetta!!)

The specials board listed Udder delights goat cheese curd, olive oil and bread ($13.90) which of course my daughter and I just couldn't resist. It there is goat's curd we MUST eat it! imagine my daughter's delight when they brought a HUGE bowl of the stuff!! Needless to say, she didn't eat a whole lot of her main course!
My daughter ordered the Saleiccie Tartufate Con Porcini - pork sausages Italian style with truffle and porcini mushrooms, served on a bed of polenta and carmelised onion glaze ($14.90e or $22.90m). The entree size was still very substantial, and regardless of the gluttony earlier with the goat's curd, I don't think she would have finished it. I found this dish a bit too salty for my liking, but the polenta cake was absolutely beautiful with the rich gravy!
My Mum ordered LaFiorentina ($27.90) - Char grilled 500g T-bone cooked the Florentine way (specially marinated). A beautiful steak. Tender, and cooked perfectly medium rare as requested. Absolutely NO complaints!I had the Quaglie alla Racola- Chargrilled quails on a seasoned rocket salad ($23.90). I certainly think I win on the best dish at the table. It was sensational! Beautifully spiced, simply presented... just perfect. The bread soaking up all those amazing juices was a great addition. My rocket salad was incredibly fresh... just a perfect plate!
One of the highlights of Osteria Sanso, is that Tony's wife has a very substantial vegetable and herb garden at the back of the restaurant. Our spinach sauteed with extra virgin olive oil garlic and chili ($6) was so fresh and full of flavour! We also ordered the mushrooms sauteed with onion and extra virgin olive oil. Lovely and earthy, a great addition to our meal! It must be mentioned that Tony himself left the kitchen and delivered our side dishes... very nice touch!

For some reason I do not have a photo of my son's meal. He had the Maccheroni al Ragu- tube pasta with a special Tuscan meat sauce ($18.90). They did not have a kid's menu as such, but surprisingly, he ate every last bit of his pasta! The serving sizes were huge, even my quail didn't get finished! A great value for money restaurant, without compromising on taste. We had a wonderful day here, in fact my Mum rang me later that evening and said it was her favourite lunch she has ever had with me!

I love this place, and think its obscure location adds to the appeal. A Bed and Breakfast has been added to the mix, and the day after our lunch, I booked a night there in a month or so! Again, very reasonably priced, B and B for 2 with 3 course dinner and continental breakfast delivered to your room for around $300... can't go wrong!! Occasionally I see this place for sale on the interenet, and it will be a sad sad day when Tony closes his doors. .. get there before that happens!

Restaurant/Cellar Door

Restaurant/Cellar Door: Dudley Wines
Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island
Corner of North Terrace and Thomas Willson Street

In 2006, I did a quick trip to KI with my Mum and kids before moving up to Cairns. We had a great time, and a highlight of that trip was Dudley Cellar door at Cape Willoughby. They served us a "bucket of prawns" in bright yellow sand buckets...........fantastic. I was so inspired by this innovative way of serving up prawns, I copied them for Christmas that year!
Although the Cellar door was in a magnificent location close to the lighthouse at Cape Willoughby, alas it seems the regular tourist does not wander as he should, and they have moved to more central and convenient Penneshaw . The ferry to the mainland docks in Penneshaw, and despite the less charismatic cellar door, I was pleased they had moved. What better way to pass the time waiting for the ferry than to have lunch and wine!
The restaurant is open and airy, complete with Dudley wines and the usual tacky tourist honey and other KI products. There is plenty of room, and I can only assume the occasional bus must stop for tastings.Dudley has a wide range of wines. Chardonnay, Cab Sauv, Shiraz, Sauv Blanc and a Rose. Their Porky Flat Shiraz is fantastic, and their Sauv Blanc is a good stand-by.

Wandering around the restaurant, you get a real comfy, home feeling. Walls are adorned with photos of regulars enjoying a night out with live music, and with Xavier Rudd and then Jack Johnson playing in the background, one could expect good music on their live entertainment nights! Fantastic flora and fauna photos are everywhere, very appropriate for the natural experience of Kangaroo Island.

The Slow Roasted Shoulder of Lamb ($18) was seasoned with cumin, garlic and herbs served with pumpkin, pine nuts, baby spinach, hommous and KI coriander chilli jam. A very good "comfort" food, the presentation was simple and fresh.

The platter ($35) shared by my kids (with a bit of Mum's fingers into that goats curd) was great. Marinated Kangaroo olives, Barossa Valley curd, cheddar, prosciutto, mettwurst, pickled onions, sundried tomato and cashew dip, dukkah and toasted turkish bread. Although the inclusion of local produce is always appreciated, the price was a bit steep for what was presented.

I had the Kangaroo Island Fetta and Pea Fritters )18) with smoked Atlantic salmon, lemon and mustard aioli and rosted cherry tomatoes. I was pleased to see they used Island Pure Fetta... a fantastic sheep cheese. I absolutely love their Haloumi. The fritters were slightly over-cooked, so a bit rubbery but all in all, I really enjoyed this lunch. Nice and light and fresh, my glass of Grassy Flat Sauv Blanc enhanced the flavours beautifully.

The staff were attentive and quick, and we had a very enjoyable, casual lunch. The convenient location will ensure the success of this restaurant. Its limited menu really works ... simple, and fresh. I just hope come summer they put those buckets of prawns back on the menu!!